GB Olympics coach Stuart Pearce says David Beckham’s decision to stay in Los Angeles will boost his chances of being a London 2012 talisman.

Former England skipper Becks turned down the chance of a move to Paris St-Germain to sign a new two-year deal with MLS champs LA Galaxy.

Part of the agreement was a guarantee the 36-year-old will be free to join Pearce’s squad as one of his three over-age players.

Pearce said: “The fact David Beckham will be mid-season, and the fitness involved with being ­match-fit at the time, will be helpful.

“The best way forward is to concentrate on younger players. Then you can look at where you are weak and supplement them.”

Beckham, speaking in LA, said: "It's going to be really exciting for the country to host of the one biggest sporting events in the world.

"I know there's going to an amazing buzz around the England, London and especially East London where I was brought up and I would love to be part of Team GB.

"I've never been involved in an Olympic Games, which is why I was a bit sceptical and nervous when I was asked to be part of the bid team. I wasn't sure what I'd bring to the table.

"To be part of the team that brought the Games to London was one of the proudest moments I've been involved in. It's going to be an amazing experience and I'd be very proud to be involved."

Beckham, who cited his family as coming "first" when the decision to stay in California was made, added: "I had offers from other clubs around the world and at 36 you don't expect to get them.

"But I feel it's exciting times here now and to walk away at this point would be a disappointment. That's why I wanted to stay.

"In football years I'm not so young any more. I still feel young and will continue to play as long as I can. I love every single day I go to training. My contract will take me up to almost 39 and I'm excited about these next couple of years."

Pearce has to name an 18-man squad.

He is keen to utilise players from all four Home Nations, including Tottenham's Welsh winger Gareth Bale, the only Premier League player voted onto UEFA's team of the year this week, and admitted his final choice will be tough.

He said: "I know I'm going to lose 23 players with regard to England's squad in the summer but over and above that it's reasonably fair game. We're going to have to review things as we go.

"The politics and expectations from the BOA are something I'll have to get in sync with. Some of that is saddening but the bottom line is that it is down to the players."